What are general damages in the context of compensatory damages?

General damages refer specifically to non-economic losses that a plaintiff may experience as a result of an injury, which includes pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. These types of damages are not easily quantifiable in monetary terms like medical bills or lost wages, which fall under special damages.

In the context of compensatory damages, general damages serve to remedy the intangible detriment suffered by an individual, providing them with compensation for the ongoing impact of their injuries rather than direct financial losses. For example, if someone sustains an injury from an accident that results in chronic pain, the pain and suffering endured would be classified as general damages.

The other choices represent different categories or forms of damages. Quantifiable damages like medical bills are classified as special damages, as they can be calculated precisely. Future earnings relate more to economic losses rather than the subjective hardships associated with pain and suffering. Small damages recognized legally do not adequately capture the essence of general damages, which aim to address the broader emotional and physical consequences of an injury.